WISH is a public independent charter school in Local District 3
of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). WISH is located
on the Westside of Los Angeles in Westchester, at 8820
Sepulveda Eastway, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
The WISH instructional philosophy rests upon the concepts of
hands on learning, meaningful instructional activities, systematic
instruction, and a collaborative group of professionals working
together to make the learning environment exciting for students.
Evidence-based teaching strategies are tailored to meet
individual development.
WISH is modeled after the award-winning CHIME Charter Elementary
School in Woodland Hills, which received the distinction of
"Charter School of the Year" by the US Dept. of Education in
2005.
Core elements of the WISH model
- Optimal Class Size: All Kindergarten through 3rd
grade classrooms have approximately 20 students. Grades 4 and
5 have a maximum of 25 students.
- Collaboration and Co-teaching: Highly qualified, credentialed
educators are partners in planning, teaching, and assessing each
child. In addition to classroom teachers, teaching
specialists support each grade level and move between classrooms to
enrich learning opportunities. Music, Art, PE, and specialty
teachers utilize a co-teaching model to increase adult to student
ratios, provide tailored instruction, and demonstrate best
practices for all children. Each staff member participates in
a 30-minute debriefing session daily. At this time, staff members
reflect on the day and share a success, challenge, and action plan
for serving children better.
- Differentiated Instruction: Through individualized learning
profiles, WISH empowers and inspires learners to reach their
highest potential. With an emphasis on academic achievement
using a variety of modalities, developing character, building
technology skills, and a deep understanding of the world, WISH
prepares students to be leaders.
- Family Partnerships: The WISH Community Association (WCA) is
comprised of parents, students, teachers, staff members, and
community members. Working together, we have built an
incredible public school that is responsive to each child we
serve. Volunteers are central to the success of WISH.
The partnerships built with families have led to a thriving and
nurturing environment for children.
- All Children Belong: Each class builds a strong, inclusive
community together! This last summer the teachers attended
professional development institutes on gifted and talented
education, technology, and differentiated instruction. Important
academic, social, and ethical skills and attitudes are developed
when students with various strengths, needs, and backgrounds learn
together.
- Affiliation with Loyola Marymoun University's School of
Education:WISH has an affiliation with the LMU School of Education
that provides the ability to collaborate, continually study, and
improve the instructional model at WISH while maintaining "best
practices." LMU's nationally recognized School of Education is
located in close proximity to the WISH campus.
Constructivist approach to
Learning
"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I
understand." Chinese proverb
WISH adheres to the idea that children learn best by
utilizing the principles of the constructivist theory.
Constructivism emphasizes an internal-oriented approach in which by
asserting one's knowledge, as well as participating in the learning
process itself, learning is constructed by learner's interpretation
of their own experiences. Learners benefit from working
collaboratively in groups so that they can hear different
perspectives and accomplish the learning tasks with the help of
their peers and experts. Learning is an active process that is
facilitated when learners are given chances to express and evaluate
their own thinking.
Grade Levels
WISH offers instruction in grades transitional K through five.
WISH currently offers transitional kindergarten, kindergarten,
first, second, third and fourth grade levels, with
5th grade coming in the fall of 2012. The total
enrollment in year one of operation was 140 students, and this
year is 220 students. WISH anticipates about 360 students by
year five.
An Innovative Learning Community
WISH inspires and motivates students using innovative curriculum,
technology and hands on learning activities.